Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - HOT TODDY (1) has returned in good order this prep with two close finishes. Peaking now and will appreciate the added trip. The one to beat. SAVAHAY (2) is a Yes Yes Yes gelding on debut for the Ron Stubbs camp. Found the line nicely under his own accord in a recent trial here on the Riverside surface. Drawn favourably and can make a bright start. DIVRON (7) should be hitting her top with the three runs under her belt. Blinkers go on to sharpen her up. In the mix. JATO (8) is another debutant worth keeping onside. Watch for any late market support. SO MAGNIFICENT (3) is a well-bred colt by So You Think on debut for Todd Smart. Blinkers stay on from trial with Boudvillain sticking. Can find the frame.
RACE 2 - CHANCEUX DERNIER (8) showed good improvement last start at Canberra when closing off nicely into the frame. Blinkers on should help him focus and can settle closer. Strips fitter third-up and is well placed to shed the tag. MENUHIN (6) was much better last start at Queanbeyan will filling the placings. Expect her to hold a prominent spot from the inside alley and be in this for a long way with fitness on her side. FIRE YOUR GUNS (4) was an eye-catcher on debut here back in August but failed to follow it up at the latest. Draws his best gate yet and gets a key booking in Heywood. Worth forgiving. CHRISTMAS STAR (12) finds it tough to break the ice but has turned in some solid efforts. Don't dismiss.
RACE 3 - WHISKER TO WHISKER (3) warmed nicely to her task late in town last start. Carries more weight as he tackles an easier assignment and will appreciate reacquainting with Nick Heywood who is 1/1 aboard. Yet to be tested over this journey but should measure right up. MCGEEHAN (2) finished behind Whisker To Whisker in town last start but now meets him better at the weights with the 3kg claimer going on. Comes through some strong form races and will be giving himself every chance up on the speed. Expect him to be in this for a very long way. LADY REDWOOD (1) and THE BIG BIIG (5) rate highly on best figures and are also worth some thought.
RACE 4 - JAZZ ALL KNIGHT (8) again showed good tactical speed went sent from the low draw here over the same journey, just finding one better on the day. Draws favourably again and gets in low at the weights with the 2kg claimer engaged. Will give backers another great sight and prove tough to reel in. GALSTON GORGE (1) made light work of his maiden last start when resuming at Queanbeyan. Sparingly raced and has more to offer. Cannot be underestimated. LUDOVICA (6) went better than the form suggests fresh when finishing outside of the placings here. The form from the race has stuck up superbly in 57 days with three subsequent winners. Fitter now and is worth considering. ARCTIC DESERT (7) knuckled down gamely in the lane to arrive just in time to score a determined maiden win. Tougher this time but is in the mix.
RACE 5 - POINT OUT (6) was much better when dropping back to the country circuit last start at Nowra, only beaten a lip. Only has to hold his form to prove hard to beat but is a likely improver. CHECK SIDE (1) was an eye-catcher when resuming at Albury. Fitter now and will appreciate the added trip. Main danger. Drops back in trip off a 27-day break. Expecting him to drift back from the draw and be climbing over their backs late. SHADOW DANE (7) is knocking on the door and should be peaking now. Right in this. DRUNKEN SAILOR (2) strips fitter third-up and can add some juice to the exotics.
RACE 6 - INTERVENTIONIST (2) is yet to strike through this prep but now strikes his easiest challenge of the campaign. Deserves to carry the big weight on best efforts. Expect to see the best of him over a favoured trip. MAYFAIR HOTEL (9) warmed to his task nicely over the concluding stages when resuming here at the latest. Is sure to have come on with that run under the belt and should give this a shake. BONVALANTE (1) is a course and distance specialist on the home surface. Lugs the big weight but can play a major role. NOTLEANORMEAN (5) is yet to strike through this campaign but holds appeal on the short turnaround. Have to include on best figures.
RACE 7 - COUNTY KILKENNY (8) was no match for a smart winner in the Cootamundra Cup last start but was brave in defeat. The form around him has stuck up strongly this prep and he carries a feather on his back with the 3kg claimer engaged. Drawn sticky but is expected to be very competitive on the home surface. IN DE SUMMERTIME (5) returns for the Dryden camp. Was thrown in the deep end last prep when tackling some much tougher races. Trialled well in readiness and the form from the trial has already held up. Can run a big race fresh at nice odds. MANDERBOSS (2) hasn't won for a very long time but shoulders his share of ability. Has a good record here and strikes a very suitable contest three weeks between runs. Expect him drift back from the draw and be climbing over their backs late. BODY BOB (1) will likely be ridden conservatively from the draw. Haven't seen him at his best for some time but he's a serious chance if he can recapture form. Keeping safe.
RACE 8 - PROJETO (9) didn't offer a yelp fresh when resuming in a strong BM64 at Bendigo. The subsequent form has been terrific with three subsequent winners. Is sure to have come on with that run under his belt as he returns to a winning track and trip. Draws well and gets some significant weight off. Sharp improvement anticipated. OH NO MIKKI (6) returns for the Widdison and is two-time winner fresh. Boasts a solid record over this course and distance and reunites with the well-associated Nick Souquet. Main danger. SUPIDO BEAUTY (8) also returns and is a progressive type, winning 4/8. Unbeaten over this track and trip and gets in well at the weights with the 1.5kg claimer back on. Can give this a big shake. IRON WILL (1) dug deep to return a winner off a long break at Canberra. Wary of a flat performance second-up but he deserves plenty of respect.
